Coppell considers loan swoop for Egypt midfield ace

Reading are weighing up the possibility of landing Mohamed Aboutrika on loan.

Royals watched the Egyptian midfielder in the African Cup of Nations back in February and have been keeping tabs on him ever since.

The 28-year-old, who currently plays for Al-Ahly, is seen as one of Egypt’s brightest stars and is keen to play in the Premiership.

It is thought that the Cairo-based club want a fee for him, but Reading manager Steve Coppell told the Evening Post: “Through an agent we have some details on him. We are exploring the possibility of doing something on loan.

“But the closer we get to January the more names come our way. The mail every day brings in 20-odd player recommendations through agents. He is just one who is a possibility. We have made preliminary enquiries, but nothing else.”

Coppell was also in Edinburgh on Sunday watching Hibernian’s 2-2 draw with Celtic.

Royals’ manager insists he wasn’t there to look at a specific player, but Hibs duo Scott Brown and Kevin Thomson would have impressed. The midfield duo are highly-rated in Scotland and are rated at around £2.5million each.

Brown is a dynamic midfielder, while Thompson, who was on target against Celtic, is a holding player.

“We are just looking around and seeing what there is,” said Coppell. “I went to Scotland for a knowledge exercise just to see if it would duplicate here to English football.

“There was not one particular player I was looking at. I can honestly say I did not go to look at those two players.

“They are good players and Hibs recognise that.

“I’m sure they will be working very, very hard to make sure they are part of their future for many, many years to come, but I just wanted to see if any players could transfer to English football.”

Royals are looking to bolster their midfield as the future of Steve Sidwell remains in doubt.

He is out of contract in the summer and has so far resisted all overtures from Reading to sign a new deal.